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iamdarkness · 2 years ago

Text

Iris

Alfonse x oc Summoner, Lif x oc Summoner

Chapter 4

Dreams

Chapter summary: The dreams continue and Henriette is made aware of a new threat. The house is being rebuilt while the funerals are being planned.

Oly woke to sun on her face. Momentarily she had no recollection of the prior days and wondered why Nanny Bertha had opened the drapes. She wondered if she had lessons then and instantly groaned. She did not want to open yer eyes.

Oly felt the warmth of a body next to her. It felt soft and inviting. She loved sleeping with her mother. She felt like a small kitten next to her mother cat. Her father always felt firm and strong and although both her parents felt very different, she always felt very safe and loved.

She finally opened one eye, when she noticed there was someone else with them on the bed, but it was not big enough to be her father. For a second she thought the letters her parents had sent to the stork had been sent and that the stork had actually brought them a sister. Then when her eyes adjusted, she was met with green eyes starting back at her as well. They were as confused as Oly’s eyes were.

-Sharena? Are you my sister now?

-What?- Asked Sharena even more confused now.

-My sister…the stork sent you to be my sister?

-I…it was the fairies…I think…

-What are you two talking about?- Asked Alfonse getting up from Sharena’s other side. He looked confused as well and was looking around the room.- This is Mother’s chamber…Oh…I remember…

-What did you remember brother? The bad dream?

-I remember.-Chimed in Oly.

-Yes…the bad dream.- Said Alfonse and turned around to hide his eyes that had watered with the memory of his cousin.

-Can we go see father after breakfast?- Asked Sharena.

-Mmmmmmmmmmm five more minutes….God I hate mornings…

The kids turned to Bel. The girls giggled and Alfonse had this face expression between amusement and confusion.

- Mami does not like getting up early…She’s nocturnal…like a vampire.- Giggled Oly. Sharena giggled again.

-I eat little kittens who go to sleep late!- Bel said trying to get any of them with her eyes closed feeling the bed with her hand.- Breakfast…

The kids jumped out of bed. Sharena and Oly squealed with joy and Alfonse laughed out loud, which was strange because he felt like laughing but at the same time he wanted to cry.

-What is a vampire?- Asked Sharena once they were sitting to eat breakfast.

-Bel said it was a made up monster from folklore in her world. They drink the blood of the living and then turn them into vampires and turn themselves into bats….and they dress in black and sleep during the day…umm Oh and they can turn into smoke and animals depending on the civilization the tales come from.

-Wow Alfonse ! You remember all of that? - Asked Sharena in awe.

-I…I like folklore a lot. They seemed interesting. Is that why you like the color black on clothing?- He asked Bel. She laughed momentarily forgetting her sadness.

-Yes I guess in a way, but I have always liked the color along with red and blue…I just don’t look as good in blue.

-Mami you call Daddy vampire…but he does not sleep in the day time.

-Yeah…He’s a morning person…he had to have some imperfection you know…but it is not because of when he sleeps.- The kids look confusedly at her, waiting for her answer. She was not going to tell the kids Alfonse was a biter in bed so she thought of telling them the rest of the reasons. -Your grandfather is a count honey. There is a book about a Count that is a vampire. I tease your father with that.

-So my grandfather is a vampire?- Asks Oly horrified. The question comes just in time for Adrien to arrive.

-I am what?- He asks sitting down at their small table. They were eating on the low table sitting on cushions.

-No Oly. Father have you eaten breakfast? Do you need me to bring you something?

-I have not daughter. I will take some of those pancakes and eggs with sausage.

After they ate breakfast Sharena voiced her wish to visit her father.

-Mami I want to see Papi too.

The time had come for them to tell Oly the truth. Bel thought about allowing Sharena to stay or wait until she was gone. Alfonse decided for her.

-Sister. I think we should wait a moment here with Oly. - He said as he sat by Oly’s side. Sharena looked puzzled, but sat next to him. This was Bel’s cue to start.

-Oly I need you to listen to me. As you know, your Uncle Gustav was injured and he is in bed. Your own grandfather was injured as well but thankfully not as bad.- Oly nodded and took Alfonse’s hand in hers.- People get injured in wars and sometimes they get very injured and they die. You know that right?- Oly nodded.- Your father was very hurt baby. Much more than even uncle Gustav.- Oly’s lower lip trembled but said nothing.- I am afraid he …will not be coming back.

-Daddy is not coming back?…But…He told me he was coming back…He said …He promised… I gave him my lucky bracelet…Mami! I want my Daddy!- She cried and Bel hugged her tight.

-Cry Baby…Cry all you want… it is fine. I am here with you…We are all here for you. We love you.

-Yes we love you Oly.- Said Sharena and she was crying too. She was clinging to Alfonse’s arm.

-Yes Oly. We love you.- Said Alfonse and took her hand. Oly turned to them her lower lip still trembling. And she let go of Bel to be embraced by Sharena And a reluctant Alfonse.

-I…I want my Daddy…

-I know Oly…I can be like your father if you want to. I can…I can protect you…

-Yes Oly. Alfonse is very good at protecting people and…and I can be your sister too if you want to.

-Who is going to take tuck me in to sleep…

-Well my little darling. If you permit me. I can do it every time you need me to do so.- Said Adrien.

-You will grandfather?-

-Of course I will, little one. I love you. You are a piece of me.

-Daddy said …He said I was a piece of his soul and he would always be with me….is that true?

This took Adrien by surprise and Bel who was crying softly hid her face in her hands to not cry loud. It broke her heart to hear her say that and hear her cry. If it had only been her, she would have been able to bear the loss, but having a child, even though it was a blessing it was harder to see them crumble and suffer so.

-Yes. Mi gatita…You are a piece of his soul and mine…and…we…he will always be watching over you…even if you do not see him; he will be there with you. OK?

-OK…

-But you also have your Grandfather and Sharena and Alfonse. Remember that they will be with you but you also have to be with them.

-OK…-Oly said and tried whipping her tears with her sleeves. Bel took out the handkerchief Alfonse had lent her and used it to dry her tears.

Bel knew Oly would not forget the loss of her father but the following hours were spent trying to get her to feel better. At the end it was Oly who suggested they go visit Gustav. Adrien had taken her little hand and Bel walked to her other side. They were walking behind Sharena and Alfonse. Bel had sent Deana to let them know they were coming and had given Oly something for the fever she had gotten with the strong emotions she was dealing with.

They were turning the corner leading to the hallway to the rooms when Henriette and an unknown man turned the corner first.

-Oh! There you are. This is Baron Gulbrandsen, Lord of the Southern lands of Embla. -Henriette said to them hastily and then to the lord.- My Lord, as you already know, this is Earl Andreas Lord of Nibelheilm and this is his daughter Lady Andreas.

The introduction was so fast and so unexpected they were a little speechless for a moment.

-A pleasure….- was all Bel was able to say before Henriette started talking again.

-I apologize for the hasty introduction, but I am afraid we are in a bit of a bind. We were just informed that a large group of Emblan Soldiers come our way. They will arrive in three days time, but a small envoy has arrived already.

-They come for me. I am afraid that by helping you fight on my own I have brought the wrath of the Empire down on me. My punishment surely will be death. My lands and title has already been taken I am sure, along with my remaining daughter Leticia. She will go to live with my relatives.

-Henriette…I think we should talk in privet.- Said Adrien.

-I can take the kids to see Gustav and stay with them.- Said Bel. Henriette looked like she wanted to say something but a quick look down at Oly made her change her mind.

- Of course. I will appreciate it. We follow you Adrien, lead the way.

- I rather also stay close, just in case we need Gustav’s point of view. Let us use the room next door.

Once inside Sharena and Alfonse stood next to the door and waited to be called by Gustav. Bel could have rolled her eyes at such pomposity. Others may call it respect, but it felt wrong to her to treat your kids as if they were servants to be called when needed. She never said anything since it was not her house any way. She was a guest even if she was considered family.

Gustav called both of his kids to get near almost right away. Sharena had been warned where the injuries were and how he looked. Meanwhile Bel sat across from the bed with Oly in her arms. She expected the visit not to be very emotive, so it was a surprise when Gustav tried to sit up and hug Sharena and Alfonse, but got hurt in the process. Oly gasped when she heard him groan and her eyes watered. The healer had gone out of the room and there was no one to help the man.

-Come Oly. Let us help your uncle.

Alfonse and Sharena were trying to help him get back in place but were also scared to touch him and cause him more pain.

-Here let me help you. God! What did they feed you guys that makes you grow so darn tall and ,muscular!…And heavy!-Bel said smiling after she put some more pillows under the man.- I could have used some of it myself.

-Thank you.- Said Gustav and proceeded to hug a very stiff Alfonse and a worried Sharena. Oly was watching them closely. Bel was about to suggest they let them have a moment when Gustav spoke next.- Little Oly. May I have a hug?

Oly Looked up at Bel and she nodded at the girl.- Just be careful not to press right there where you can see bandages.

-Yes Mami.- Oly said and approached the bed. Since this was a guest room, the bed was not as high as the main chambers, but Oly was still too small to climbed by herself so Bel had to sit her by his side the way Sharena had done.- Uncle Gustav…I love you.

-I…I love you too…as much as…- Gustav closed his eyes, and so he did not see Alfonse and Sharena share a look, their eyes wet with tears once again. They had never seen their father this emotional in a long time.

-Your beard is ticking me.- Oly said with a giggle. And scratched her cheek where the beard had been tickling her.

-I do suppose it is very long now.- Said Gustav in an almost shy way.

- It fits you well though. You should keep it. - Said Bel smiling at Gustav.- Oly come. Let us go find the healer and make sure he did not pull a stitch or something. You guys do not let him move again.- Gustav gave a gruff little laugh and Alfonse and Sharena stood there a little bewildered. Oly came down the bed and took Bel’s hand. They met the healer on the way back and Bel was explaining what had happened when they were met with Aleen. The healer went back to Gustav and Aleen proceeded to talk in a whisper.

- My Lady…I have news…but first I wanted to…I …I know how you feel…I…

-Erland? - Aleen lowered her face and nodded. He was dead.- I asked but…no one would tell me. -Aleen looked down at Oly and said nothing more.

- Let me call Deana.

-Oh by the way. We found Nanny Bertha. Chimney sweepers saw her through a hole in the wall and took her with them to the kitchen cellar. That is where they held up with the rest of the kitchen staff who were not able to come down to the library. It was a wise decision to leave the food. They were able to survive thanks to that and the fact that two of the healers were among them.

-Really? Did you hear that Oly?

-Yay!! Can I go see her?

-She is still hurt enough not to work but she can have visits… but we have not told her…

-Oh I see…Oly did you hear? Do not tel her about Papi OK? We can not make her sad right now.

-OK Mami.

Deana was called and they took the kids to see Nanny Bertha. Once Bel thanked her and warned her not to do such a thing again, She stepped outside with Aleen to talk outside the door.

-Aleen…

-It took so long to find him…The dead…they…there were…are piles of bodies…whole and pieces…it is taking them time to …

-Ah…

-Erland was whole thankfully…I am taking his insignia to his mother.- His mother being a widow who lived off the pension of her late husband who was in the military and her son’s salary. Erland was an only child.- But I am afraid we will not be able to take his body…All of them will be buried here or at the town’s cemetery or cremated depending on the costumes. The pieces that can not be identified will be cremated as well.

-Do we have reports from the city? Were they able to evacuate on time?

-Yes. There were a few people who decided to stay. Some made it and some did not. It was them who informed the late King we were being besieged. We really do not have as many …it could have been so much worse Madam. My Lady…it was all thanks to my Lord.

- You don’t know half of it.

-Oh My Lady…I know…there were those who witnessed…they said to me…they said my Lady and it was confirmed by many…the King…he …They say he offered his son as a sacrifice…his own son and My Lord saved the prince….at least that is what they say…

-Gustav told me.

-My Lady…There was a man…he…died…but…Gudrun told me to tell you. There was a man in the infirmary who died early morning and was the royal chamber pot cleaner. He overheard the king telling the priests, he wanted my Lord out of his way, but if Gustav fell it was still in his plans…but he did not say why.

-Wait what? How does Gudrun know this?

- The man was a…Gudrun’s father had an affair and

-Oh…illegitimate son…

-Yes my Lady. Gudrun did not ask for protection but I fear for his life if this reaches the top. If you should ask…because I know you deserve to know… Gudrun wanted to tell you himself but I told him he could take the time to bury his brother. He is currently doing preparations for that.

- Don’t worry. I will not say his name or yours. I am well aware of the dangers. In fact I am very sure I will get my information without they even asking who told me. I am sure Gustav is not the danger and I know for their own good they will keep this quiet, but they WILL tell me the truth …that is if they even know the reasons the King had to want my husband dead.

-There is also the matter of the newcomers. - Aleen looked around again to check no one was overhearing.- Well Gudrun and Feraht talked to some of the soldiers. One of them told them something that seems important.

-What is it?

- Just as you heard. Gudrun had many friends in the village that was first attacked. Some of the soldiers that were in the first incident with the ritual was on guard duty and swears the Lord that comes with the group is one of the person performing the ritual. He told Gudrun there should be documentation and proof about the incident and that they even had sketches of the perpetrators and a pendant that looked to be very valuable.

- We need to let Henriette and Gustav or maybe Adrien may know something and a way to use this…The man said he was going to die…what if we can use this to save him? I am sure Embla did not want to open the door and had their own people die. They knew Hel meant to kill the Empress.

- So anyone helping open the door would be committing treason!- Exclaimed Aleen.

-Exactly! Come we need to tell Gustav. He may know where the files are. I will send my father to talk to the witnesses. Please point them out to him.

Aleen left and Bel checked on the kids before going to see Gustav. She did not want to leave Oly for longer than necessary but she looked happy to be near someone else she loved.

Bel went to see Henriette and Adrien first. They were still in the room next to Gustav’s. She knocked and then entered. The three people went quiet when she arrived.

I am sorry to interrupt but I want to know something….ummm related to your problem Sir.- Bel said to Baron Brandenburg, then turned to Henriette.- Henriette, father, do any of you know where the files about the incident with the ritual to open the Hel Gate are? The official reports I mean. Are they in the capital?

-The…reports? They were sent to Gustav to review and then to the capital to….the king.- Said Adrien.

-Yes! Gustav took them personally to his father, but brought them back to his study for reference.

-They are here?- Asked Bel.

-Yes. Why do you ask?

-A second. Sir. Would you say that opening the Door to the realm of the Dead, knowing Hel would seek to kill the empress, be consider treason for anyone in Embla?

-Yes of course!

- Well this may be your lucky day, because in those files there is some drawings of some of the people who were at the site and we believe at least one of the people that came for you is one of them and we have witnesses too.

- Are you sure?- Asked Adrien.

- I trust the info…information, I came to give the report to my father on their stead, but I think we need to check the files first.Father if you need the witnesses, they are some of the men in the army. Ask Aleen to tell you who they are. Still I think you should go right now to look at the reports I am sure Lord Gulbrandsen will be able to identify the perpetrator.

- Of course. They are in our study. This way.- Henriette said and hurried to the door. She was followed by both men.

-Henriette. I will go tell Gustav and …I also need to ask him some questions before I return to the kids.

-Of course. Thank you.

-Thank you Lady Andreas.

==Oh don’t thank me yet…==

-It is a team effort Sir. I hope the information can help you.

Bel watched them go before she entered Gustav’s room. The healer was not there. She closed the door behind her and locked it silently.

- Gustav. Sorry to bother you. I came for a couple of reasons. I have reasons to believe some of the people who came for the Baron were part of the Death Cult that opened the door. Henriette is getting the files with the drawings. They may save the Baron.

-How do you know this?

- I am just the messenger from the actual witnesses. At least one of the soldiers who were there is here and pointed the guy out.

-Good. We can save a good man and bring the assassins to justice.

-You think we can get Embla to make an extradition so they can be brought to justice here?

- We can hope. I can ask for it.

-Good…Gustav…-Bel took a deep breath and looked the man in the eyes. - Did you know your father wanted my husband dead specifically?

-What do you mean?

- His...someone close to him who died and had nothing to lose told me…He overheard him say he wanted Alfonse dead…but it was fine if you died too…He said it was within his plans. He heard this when he was talking to the priests apparently.

-No…no…why would I know this… We were not allowed to be there when he planned the ritual to seal Hel back inside…He said that? This man?

-Yes. Before he died Gustav. I don’t think he was lying. Gustav… When you told me you thought he wanted you dead… he really was hoping for Alfonse to save you…I did not want to ask why your father would want you dead in the first place… I thought it was family matters and as concern as I was for you I felt it was not my place to ask, but now it is my business.- Gustav listened bewildered still by the news but concentrated and thought for a minute.

-He had his heir. A young heir he could manipulate. With me out of the picture he would be able to send Henriette away and keep Alfonse.

(gasp) ==That was why Henriette wanted to protect Alfonse!? She understood this would happen if Gustav died! She just never thought it would be intentional…but why…==

-I see…So why could he want my Alfonse dead?

Gustav looked away and swallowed.

- I did not think my father would get to this length…He was very unhinged at the end it appears…He was ever the obsessed man over his work. Sometimes fanatical about our history. He wanted to be a hero to his people.This was the reason we did not tell him the truth until the end. Did Henriette give you a weapon to defend yourself?

-Yes. It is in her room.

-It is a sacred weapon that only one person can use. This person is never of this world.

-…

-We found a diary in a hidden study. It belongs to the first King Lif. Do you know who he was?- He asks.

- I’ve read about him.==I was married to his number one fan, of course I know who he was. ==- Bel thought. She herself found him a very interesting person and the passion for Askran history Alfonse showed had rubbed off on her.

- In the diary there were instructions on how to get the weapon that rested in his tomb. There were instructions on how to call the hero the weapon belongs to. Henriette…called you those years ago. We did not know the ritual had worked until we heard my cousin Alfonse was getting married and he told us you were not of any of the known worlds.

-So…that gun is mine? But why call me… I mean I am not complaining…just…I would like to know.

-The hero is usually called during war time…Henriette…just wanted to try and see if it worked. We thought it had been a mistake but we could not do anything to fix it because by then you were already willing to stay and was…well already married to Alfonse. We were mistaken but by the fact that we could not see the truth and tell you the truth as well. Hel came and we were not ready.

-You mean to say that gun is strong enough to kill Hel?

-In theory, but that is not the main purpose. You see, that weapon is suppose to summon heroes from other worlds and they are supposed to obey you. You are the chosen hero. The legendary Summoner of Askr who can summon heroes and make contracts with them to fight for you. Those heroes form an army that along with our army could finish Hel.

-Oh…It could have been useful. Why didn’t you tell me…wait…Alfonse knew this? Because he said to me something weird. He asked me to promise him that no matter what I heard I would take my child with me and protect her…almost like someone would try to convince me otherwise.

-He did not know until the day you were attacked. I suppose he was referring to us telling you to fight . We did not tell you before because…- He sighs.-We did not want my father to know. We knew what would happen if he knew… and we were right. I did not think he would go to this length. The reason my father wanted Alfonse dead was because he wanted to control you and your power.

-Alfonse is dead…because of me? How did he know? Who told him?-Bel’s eyes welled up with unshed tears.

-No! Bel…it is not your fault…it is…It IS MY fault…mine alone. I failed my cousin in every way possible. The truth is that it was thanks to you that we were able to rescue you all to begin with. Hel wanted to…Kill the heirs of Lif and that means that she wanted my son dead. That was the reason Hel was besieging the castle. My father was not interested in rescuing you. We did not know Hel was here because he would not even let anyone send any more messenger and much less people. It was the garrison we left in the city who informed us. For my father, coming to rescue you was a waste Bel… it pains me to say this about my father…but I told Henriette you needed to know…as ugly a truth as this is. My father was convinced that the most important part of this war was to protect the cities in the South and contain Hel here. Except the dead kept coming but Hel was nowhere to be found. At the time he did not know who you were, my father was willing to let my family die since I am young enough to…-He paused. Bel made and angry noise and tears started rolling down her cheeks. She was disgusted and about to comment something but Gustav kept on going.

- Alfonse was very worried and very angry and understandably so. I heard him telling the most loyal of his men to get ready and I knew he was about to rescue you. This was my chance to save my own family so I prepared myself and wrote a note …that was my mistake…I wrote a note to my father to be given to him much later. I wrote to him about you. I knew he would do what ever he could to get to you and rescue you once he knew who you were. My idea was that I would go with Alfonse and use his plan. I believed whatever he would come up with would work but I wanted to make sure to have my father come to rescue you and be a distraction or back up. I did not get to tell Alfonse the plan, because the note was given to my father right away before we could make it out of camp. It is thanks to you my children, my family is safe…I owe you…so much…and Alfonse…

-You should have known every one would be on your father’s side…

-You are right…I have no excuse but the faith I had in my servants and how foolishly I thought something like this would pass under his notice.If it helps…Adrien had my servant executed …I wanted to do it myself…but he had the right to do it.

-I wish I could hate you all…I can’t even do that…I have nothing…not one to take out this anger I feel …

-I would not blame you if you hated me…but please do not hate Henriette, she…it is not her fault.

-I don’t hate you…do you think I don’t know…how your father treated you. Gustav… you were the only one who could not see…it is not your fault…my Alfonse loved you enough to give his life for you…I have to go. I don’t want Oly to be alone…Is there something else I should know?

Gustav looked at the ceiling and thought about it. He had thought about telling her everything he knew but the truth would only get worse and he did not want to involve his son in this more than he already had. If something happened between them, which he was sure was a slim chance by what Henriette had told him, then it would be something natural. He had to lie once again and he hated himself for it.

-No. Not that I remember.

-Fine…I better go now.

-Bel? Where is his sword? - He asked suddenly.- Henriette said to me that she saw Alfonse holding it.

-Yes…he…I don’t know why he asked to hold it for me for the night…I don’t know where he put it. I have not seen it since. He must have seen…I think he…I think he thinks I was going to…I will let him keep it for now…- She said looking at her feet. She had just realized what she had been about to do last night and was ashamed of herself. Gustav’s eyes widen at the confession.

-Oh…Yes. I am sure he will care for it. He is a very responsible young man.

-Yes he is…I owe him more than I can pay…-Bel said and left the room. Gustav was left wondering the situation. He felt tears roll down to wet the bandages still covering his face. He had never cried this much in his life and he had never felt such shame and gilt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alfonse looked at Oly. Just like with Bel he was afraid for her. He remember the last time his father had played with him and how he felt the day his grandfather had told him, he was not a child anymore to ask his father to play with him. His father had never been the same since. For years he had felt like his heart was inside a place that the light of the sun could not reach. He had never told Sharena when she was finally allowed to interact more with him, that she had been like a light in a dark tunnel. He did not want for Oly to feel that way.

Oly was smiling at her nanny but not as brightly as she always did. He found himself looking at her big dark eyes. They were big intelligent lights that seemed to sparkle even more than his blue ones. He wondered how she managed to make black look brighter than blue and came to the conclusion that she must have a mysterious magic hidden inside. It must be something like that because every time he was with her and she touched his hand or said something kind to him he would feel like his stomach was dancing and his face felt very hot.

He turned to the door to see Bel coming inside the room quietly. Her eyes were red. He immediately told himself she had been crying away from Oly just like he sometimes did to not upset Sharena. Her full attention was on Oly who was telling nanny Bertha about the books he had found in other languages in the basement library and all the stories she had been able to tell them.

-Right Sharena?

-Yes. Alfonse said it was e very old language called Latin but he is still studding it and could not translate it all.

-Ah! And did my Lord bring the books with him?

Alfonse looked at the smiling face of nanny Bertha when he heard her mention him.- No. I left them in the place I found them at, but I already asked for permission to go back after the…after the place is safe to enter it again. I can not go by myself.

-Mami and I can go with you Alfonse! And Sharena can come and we will be a lot of people and will be very safe together. Right Mami!

-Yep! As long as your mother says it is fine to go inside we can go. We can take Aleen and Feraht with us.

- My Lady… I wanted to ask how my Lord is.

-Um…Oh he is not in the castle.- Said Bel avoiding Bertha’s eyes. Instead she looked at Oly who was looking down at her hands. She was about to suggest they leave before Oly started crying and Bertha suspected something was up, when she heard Alfonse speak.

-Oly? Maybe we should let your nanny Bertha rest.- He said holding Oly’s hand in his. Oly raised her face to look at him and was met with a very sweet shy smile. She could not help feel good every time he smiled at her and so she smiled back and nodded.

-Can we go play at the central garden yet?- Asked Sharena. Feraht said they could and they all left the room after giving nanny Bertha their thanks for saving them and hugged her.

Adrien came to them after lunch time. He looked upset and asked to talk to Bel. The meeting with the Emblan group had gone mostly as planned. Henriette had been awesome it seems and together they had managed to lift the Baron’s death sentence and had given the files to the Commanding General who was the head of the group. Since he was in charge of the case he had assured them that the sentence would only be given for disobeying direct orders not to cross the border and such. The most the Baron would get was to be stripped of his place in line for the throne.The general had apprehend two of the three Sect members in their group.

==” The heir and his bitch will die for this! Lif and his Summoner will die!!!”== Adrien Shivered at the memory of what the man had screamed at him when he was being taken prisoner. His eyes were those of a madman.

- I am afraid one of them escaped daughter…and…I also fear they know who you are.

-What do you mean?

-They know you are the Summoner of Askr. They will seek to destroy you.

-The …Oh…how do they even know? I didn’t even know until like two hours ago! Did everyone know except for me?

-There must be a sect member among us and I am afraid this person overheard either one of our conversations or the King’s…The truth is…the King was overly enthusiastic about you…he told me several times during the battle how sorry he was to have not met you personally. Someone must have heard him. Daughter if you are in danger, then surely Oly is as well.

-Oh Hell no! No one is going to touch my baby!

-We have to leave.-Said Adrien. -The funeral will be the day after tomorrow.

-Father…

-I know. There is nothing to bury and no reason to stay. We will hold a ceremony at home. For him and our fallen people.

-OK. That sounds better. Do you think Henriette would let us take Sharena and Alfonse with us for a time? I don’t want Oly to be alone. Being with them is good for her and I am sure Henriette has a lot to do now that the Kingdom is mostly on her shoulders. They will have no time for the kids and they have been neglected long enough.

- I am sure she will agree with you. - Adrien looked at the kids playing tag. They were not even aware of the plume of smoke from the funerary pyres in the family graveyard. Alfonse looked so much like his son. Henriette had told him Gustav had talked to Bel about everything but their belief that Alfonse was the reincarnation of the first king Lif and their bond as his Summoner. She had also told him Bel had tried to end her life and Alfonse had stopped her. Adrien understood her too well but he also had instructed Feraht to keep an eye on her. He did not think she would try something again, but wanted to be sure of it. He though he would not be able to withstand losing another family member. This situation had him wondering too. How close were Bel and little Alfonse? There was a sure connection between them. He could plainly see it but to him it seemed that they loved each other like mother and child.

Henriette was too busy with official businesses, the military and Gustav to care for some other matters, so Bel had taken over the house hold cleaning and the kids had been with her most of the time helping out in their own way. Manual work took her mind off of her dark thoughts, just like before, when she was little.

That night they all slept together again. Gustav had been moved to his chamber and Henriette would sleep on her room. They were connected by the parlour. Bel took the kids to the room Alfonse and her used every time they came to visit. The bed was big enough for the four of them. The night was beautiful and stars filled the sky and yet the kids woke up again from the same nightmare. Feraht who was sleeping on the floor by the hearth was up in an instant and offered to bring the kids tea or something to sooth them. He went out and as the girls wailed and cried, Bel noticed Alfonse was in shock.

-It was a bad dream! My babies come here. I am here you are safe. Alfonse…Alfonse?- Bel asked the motionless kid.

-It is the same dream…again…

-The library?

-No…I…I …saw…I saw…

-Brother? Did you dream of her too?

-I…I saw him…but I could not help him and …

-Brother?

-Alfonse? Who did you see?

-I..-Alfonse was about to answer but looking at Oly he shut his mouth and after a moment he added.- The man who was screaming…

-Who was it brother? I heard him too, but I don’t know who he is.

Oly was crying softly and listening intently at the two siblings. It was a shock for her to see Alfonse this scared, but she understood it. The woman in the dream was scary enough to make anyone cry.

-Madam?- Came a voice came from the door.

Everyone looked up when they recognized the owner. It was nanny Bertha.

-Bertha? What are you doing up? You should be recovering!- Said Bel still holding Oly and Sharena to her bosom and Alfonse’s hand.

-I was tired of laying down. I was coming to check on you and bumped into that young man. He looked very flustered and worried, so I asked and he told me everything.- Said the older woman. She walked up to sit on the bed, closer to Alfonse and looked them all over.-Hmp…you think you can hide stuff from me. I helped raise your husband. I have you know that I know well Lord Andreas’ moods and gestures enough to know what is going on. Why did you not tell me the truth? Come here Oly.. You too Sharena.- Bertha took a handful of the two sobbing girls and hugged them. Then looked up to a very chastised Bel and gave her a look that said to pay attention to the quiet boy. Bel looked at Alfonse. He looked so small and frightened. She hugged him as well and felt him flinch.

-Nanny! My Daddy!…- Sobbed Oly and Sharena cried louder.

-There, there, my dears. Alfonse loved you and protected you till the end. There is no bigger proof of his love to you. He will be watching you still along with Lord Askr.- At this Bel felt Alfonse stiffen.

- I need to…I need to …go…cousin Bel can I go…I need your help with… - Alfonse said quietly.

Bel nodded and Alfonse got off the bed and hurried to the bathroom with Bel following behind. When she entered he looked out of the door to the still crying girls, then closed the door.

-I had the same dream they did…- Alfonse said looking at his feet. He had no shoes on, only his socks.- I did not want to scare them any more that they were already. Why did we dream the same thing?

-I don’t know why, but it is strange, and if you had the same dream again then..

-It was not entirely the same…this time I did not die right away…

- Excuse me …WHAT? What did you say? Why didn’t you tell me?

-I…I was going to but…Do not be angry…I did not want to bother you, because you were very busy.

-No Alfonse. I am not angry at you. I am worried and I thought we were friends.- He nodded and looked more at ease.- Alfonse you know your mother and father are busier than most parents and that is why you do not see them as much as other kids may do, and I am afraid they will be even busier when your father becomes king, but I want you and Sharena to know that no matter how busy I am; you can always talk to me because you two and Oly are my priority. Do you understand?

-Yes.

-Good. Now please tell me about the dreams…both of them.

-The first dream was just like the others said…We were playing and happy and then…then She came… It is a …woman…but she is not human. You can see her bones inside… she is made of lilac colored crystal and the bones are inside her…She ran so fast at me and…I know she killed me because I could see myself on the ground dead and I was watching her take Sharena but I could do nothing about it. I screamed but no sound came from me…but I could hear Oly crying for me and Sharena. I tried moving but I felt like I was trying to swim on …tar…Oly…She was standing there but I am sure she could not move… I also could hear Sharena crying for me to help her, but after a moment her screams ceased and there were new screams. It was a man. He was screaming as if he was being tortured.

-I see.

-Tonight…the dream started the same but…we were not playing we…we knew what was coming and we huddled together. I stood at the front of the other to protect them…and she did not… this time she took me instead of Sharena but when we reached the edge of the fores, it was not the forest anymore. It look like a dark stone room and …it was very dark but I could see him…It was cousin Alfonse…I could not see what she was doing because she was behind me holding me by the shoulders, but he was in pain and she was laughing at him and she said “You are next!”. And that is when I woke up. I could do nothing to help him…I just stood there watching, unable to move from fear…

Bel hugged Alfonse when she noticed he was trying very hard not to cry.

-Alfonse, you can cry. What you are telling me sounds horrible and scary and it is alright that you were scared. It is very understandable… Don’t be ashamed.- She wanted to reassure him that it was just a dream, but she could not. Alfonse was not told Hel had taken his uncle. He did not know and here he was telling her all of this. She was praying it was just a dream because the thought of Hel taking Alfonse to torture him was the most horrible thing she had ever heard of and the feeling of uselessness she felt was going to drive her insane.- Do you want to stay here a while?- Alfonse was thinking about it when they heard a knock on the door.

- My Lady a word? I need to talk to you.- Bel heard Bertha say from behind the door. Alfonse dried his tears and nodded. She opened the door and Bel saw that Deana was in the room now with Feraht, serving tea. Bertha came inside and closed the door.

- My lady. Were you able to see Hel before you went into the library?

-No. Why?

- Your Highness? How did the woman in the dream looked like?- Bertha asked. Alfonse answered. He described even the dress she was wearing and the sound of her laugh. Bertha’s face became white as a sheet and looked sick.

- My Lady. Before I was taken to the pantry where we were hiding in, we were able to see her through a window. That woman the children are dreaming of is Hel.

-And she has my uncle!- Alfonse said.- She is hurting him.- He added angrily. He did not look as scared but angry. Bertha looked at him and then at Bel.

-There is something not many know about this and I did not tell Alfonse.The reason we did not have a wake for Alfonse the way I would have wanted and the reason his coffin will be empty is, because we don’t have his body …Hel took his body when she left…There was no way for them to know this…- Bertha looked about to vomit and Alfonse looked a little lost and overwhelmed by emotions. Bel drew him in again for another hug.

- We need to talk to Henriette. She must know more about this, or she could point us towards research about it.I just don’t know if we should tell my father.

-Lord Andreas is very strong and wise. We should not hide it from him.

-Good. We tell him tomorrow…but not Oly. Let us get some tea. Do you feel better Alfonse?- Asks Bel. Alfonse thinks about it and then nods, lets go of Bel and opens the door. Bel stops him and asks him to let her see his injured shoulder. She had seen him flinch when she touched him there and the uninjured one. His partially healed shoulder was an angry red again and there were bruises forming on both his shoulders as if someone had gotten hold of him forcefully. Bel showed the bruising to Bertha who paled at the sight and made some signs of protection just the way Bel had seen her do when she was talking about something evil. It reminded Bel of crossing oneself, the way her grandmother used to do.

-It was her…What if he is alive aunt Bel?

-==I wish!== Your father saw him die and… his sacrifice sealed Hel again. There is no possibility of him being alive.- Bel told Alfonse tears rolling down her cheeks. Alfonse nodded and lowered his face. He was a little ashamed to be seen crying again.-I better take him to a healer and show Henriette.- Bel dried her tears and Alfonse’s so she could go out to talk to the girls.

-Show her first my lady. I will keep Oly and Sharena busy.

Bel went out and went to kiss Oly and then Sharena and explained to them that she had to take Alfonse to the healer because he had aggravated his shoulder and was in pain.

Oly and Sharena looked worried and for a moment they forgot about the dream while both of them asked various questions about his wound. Bel reassured them that they were going to fix him right up and that they would come back as soon as possible.

Bel and Alfonse went to Henriette’s room first. Bel knew she was tired but she should know about it and wanted her to see for herself while the bruises were still fresh and the memory. She was very worried about the kids but as nanny Bertha said Alfonse was the only one getting hurt.

As expected Henriette looked like she had not slept in days. Bel understood but as much as she wanted to just take care of this problem by herself she did not want to commit the mistake of leaving Henriette in the dark for longer than necessary. This was not a regular problem.

-Henriette. I am sorry to come to you at this hour. I know you are tired, but I think you should know this. It is very important.- Henriette was looking both at Bel and at Alfonse in quiet curiosity but also tiredness. She noticed Bel was holding Alfonse’s hand in both of hers in such a caring way. She let them in and lead them to the adjacent parlour.- The kids…the three of them had the same nightmare for the past two nights…and this night. Alfonse woke up to this.- Bel shows Henriette the finger bruises already turning green and purple. - Guess who they’re dreaming of…

- How is this possible?!- Exclaims Henriette horrified.

-Sit down let us tell you the dream as told by each of the kids. I also need to take him to the healers.

Bel and Alfonse each told Henriette the dreams in detail. Henriette seemed to grow more worried with each word Alfonse said about his last dream. She got up to inspect the bruises and Bel could see her eyes water.

-How about you? Any bad dreams?- Henriette said going to her nightstand and getting vial of some liquid.

-Me? No…My mind is a black hole as of now. I usually don’t dream when I grieve like this for some reason…It is like dreams just can’t penetrate the darkness in my mind.- Said Bel watching Henriette apply a salve on Alfonse’s wound and bruises. Alfonse knitted his brows. Her statement seemed wrong for him somehow even when she said in in such a casual way.

- I suppose that darkness is shielding you from her attack. This is very concerning…It may help to give them a dreamless potion before going to sleep…

-That sounds like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound… I mean a …sword wound..a deep one…- Henriette looked at her puzzled.- I mean the intrusions may, stop but only as long as they take it and …I mean that is harmful for the mind on a long period of time and what we need is for the actual attacks to stop. The information on how she is doing it and why. What are the implications of this?…She is sealed but she has enough power to influence the dreams of the living…and harm people! Was this possible before? Have you heard about this?

-You are right…Let me think…

-Wait…maybe it was possible but not with us per say. This may be the way she talks to her followers. I mean…it seems feasible that they have some kind of connection with her or something.

-…Perhaps…Let me see what I remember from the information given to us by the Elders.- Henriette looks pensively at Alfonse for a while; her mind rummaging for stored information.-…I think.. no but that is only possible with a potion…a special potion …A potion that would have to be administered…by someone close…someone very close…

- Father thinks…we have a spy…or many…- Bel tell Henriette, pauses then ads curious.-Tell me about this potion.

-When we were doing research at the village the door is located, the village elders gave us a lot of information. The officers never believed any of it and well to be honest neither did Gustav….but it is my responsibility to write everything the way it is told to me so I have all the reports including the village elder’s accounts and information. If I remember correctly the potion requires …oh…

-What?

-Come to the library!…No wait I remember I left them here…Let me see…- She went and rummaged in her wardrobe. There was a wooden box, bigger than a shoebox but not decorated at all. It looked very out of place inside the ornate furniture.- I have them here. The papers…- She reached inside the box where a great number of papers were stored. She read through a couple.- Here! Umm…The ritual needed to contact Hel was discovered by one of the guardians about seven hundred years ago, but not one on our side has ever tried it because, if this were to be a true means of communication, conducting it would alert the enemy that we know about it and they may try to shield us from using it again so it has been left as a last resort kind of plan…I am not sure why the elder would think that contacting Hel would be helpful to us.

-So not one person has tried it but supposedly this is what the enemy use to talk to her?

-Correct.

-But what is it that the potions needs?

-Oh yes! Umm… it is told that the potion needs an item from the person they need to contact. Blood or even a piece of clothing worn by her…but also something like blood or hair from the person contacting Hel so it can establish a link between them.

-Huh…Good we have the means and now we are left wondering the reason. What do you think Alfonse?

-Me?

-Sure! Fresh mind and a very astute one too. -Bel says.. She knows how smart the kid is and she has noticed he was very focused in what the two of you were saying. Alfonse blushes.

-Umm…well you said there is a spy. If someone gave us the potion to contact Hel…it means they are more visions rather than dreams right?- Bel nodded.- The same person must know why he or she is doing it? If we trap the spy, we can understand their reasons. And they have to be someone that handles the food or drinks…and someone who can take something from us…like hair.

-Of course! See? That was great help.- Bel tell Alfonse who smiles shyly. Henriette watches this in silence and smiles.- Never anger someone who handles your foods or drinks. That was my mother’s motto.

After some speculation as of who it may be that was spying on them and some planing they left Henriette. She would tell Gustav in the morning. Alfonse felt his wound hurt less and he even felt good about himself for helping out.

They went back to the room and after some reassuring that Alfonse was fine and that he just needed some balm and some pain medication they went back to sleep. Deana gave them some dreamless sleep potion and the dream did not come back.

The next day Bel and Alfonse got Adrien up to date while the girls were getting ready to go get breakfast. By this time most of the people had returned to the city and the less injured people were leaving for town. The repair had started on the broken walls and the preparations for the royal funerals were ongoing.

Adrien wanted to leave and so did Bel but after the talk they both came to the conclusion that whatever the cult was trying to do to the kids , it would not stop just because they were away in the mountains. It was better for them to wait and see who the spies were.

All the time Adrien was directing the Army, Bel spent helping oversee the housework and repairs. She was being aided by Nanny Bertha and the kids who were eager to help. Bel would make it so that the kids were occupied and learned while doing it.

She was asked if she wanted to anything special for Alfonse’s funeral. She really did not want anything to do with the funeral, but thought that since they did not know what she did they would think she did not care about it, therefore she asked only for his favorite flowers to be arranged over his coffin and a small bouquet for each of them to hold. Henriette however told her Alfonse deserved the most respect and told her Gustav wanted something special for him. Bel told her about the flag ceremony done back home.

The funeral was that afternoon. The kids had been so tired of running around the house and helping that Bel let them have a nap. She sat with them on a checkered blanket and prepared a little lunch under the big oak tree. After they ate they started to nod off and Bel let them go to sleep. She sat with her back to the tree trunk where just days before her husband had died. In truth it had been just on the opposite side of the tree. She tried her best to think of the happy memories she had lived here and not of imagining his last moments. She would have taken the kids somewhere else but Oly had asked to do it here. She had said that the tree looked very lonely.

- Mami. Why is the tree crying?- The voice brought Bel back from her memories. She opened her eyes to see Oly standing by her side looking around the tree trunk.

-What is it Mija?

-The tree is crying…I heard it in my dream and it woke me up.

-I am awake and I did not hear it cry mija. It was probably just in the dream.

-It sounded like Papi… but he sounded very sad. He said your name and then mine…but when I peeked around the tree the sound was gone…

-What else did you dream about? Did you see something?

-Oh I dreamed I was going to eat ice cream but my teeth were stuck and then Sharena came and she gave me a goldfish and it turned into a bird!

-Well that sounds like a very normal dream…- Bel says relieved.

-Mami! Fish can’t fly!- Oly said and giggled.

-Girl! I’m talking about nightmares. So you slept better here?

-Yes mami. I want to go back to sleep. If you hear the tree tell me mami.

-Si mija.

Oly laid down by Sharena’s left side and went back to sleep. Bel let them sleep until it was time to get ready for the funeral. The rest of the Royal army had been able to finally reach the city and were ready to to take the body of the King to the capital where he and Alfonse would get a Hero’s welcome at the capital. The idea was discarded when they found out Gustav was unable to be moved and the bodies had been exposed to decay by the high temperatures and humidity. To be honest not one had thought to place him inside the library where they would be cool and dry and the spell would keep him for a longer time.

Bel suggested it to Adrien while they were getting ready. She suggested to place Erland, Njal and Sven’s bodies there to be taken to the mountains. Adrien told her Njal was too damaged to have been preserved and Sven was not found complete. His own retainers had been killed and he had not the heart to tell her how he had found them. Erland would be the only one complete but all of them would be cremated for the ceremony at home.

The funeral was as expected. Formal and respectful. Bel had dressed herself and Oly on those dresses Alfonse liked so much. Unlike Earth, Askr did not required black clothes for funerals or to indicate mourning .

Gustav could be seen slowly making his way to the graveyard at the front of the procession along with Henriette, the priests and the guards. Adrien, Bel and the Kids followed behind them even though closer family members had arrived to the city for the funeral. Henriette had not invited any of them to stay at the house since it was still being repaired.

Bel’s own town home had been used to house Gustav’s aunt on his mother’s side. The older lady was like a mother to Gustav since his own had died when he was young due to a miscarriage. His only living sister was married to a duke who owned lands in the Southern part of Askr. She had three kids of her own that Gustav had only seen twice. She was too far South to be able to come to the funeral even if they had taken his father to the capital. His father had married again, to a woman younger than Gustav in an effort to have more children. This marriage however had remained fruitless until his wife had died in an accident some years ago. Gustav had liked her quiet demeanor and suspected his father had been a tyrant to her inability to bear him another child.

Gustav was tired but he could not show weakness now. It was not even to keep appearances or protocols. He suspected after talking to Henriette, Adrien and Bel that the spies were around waiting for the right time to spring into action. He also wanted to be his best for the sake of respect to his cousin. Gustav was too angry with his father to care about his funeral or paying respect at this point, but it was his cousin’s funeral too and he deserved all the respect from everyone.

With Bel’s information; the Royal Army had been able to arrange the traditional tributes and the added ritual Bel had chosen. Alfonse’s coffin was covered with the Askran flag and also Gustav’s own Royal flag to let everyone know he had saved him. This honor was only given to the royal line or heroes of great importance. In contrast the King’s coffin had only been covered with a flower arrangement. Gustav could already see the people from the city who had come for the funeral talking, but he could not bring himself to care about it. His father did not even deserve to be buried in the family cemetery much less to be buried with honors, but he would not sully the commoner’s cemetery or the rest of his family’s honor because of him. Adrien had asked him to keep quiet about the incident. He did not want more attention over his family and he would keep that promise.

His side ached like nothing ever had hurt him before. It was strange because he had had broken ribs before but never had he felt such pain. His suspicions were confirmed when the royal healers told him his wounds were not mending correctly. In fact they were not mending at all. He does not have the heart to tell Henriette as of yet, so he toils on down the road to the family graveyard while the quiet sobs of one small child breaks his heart even more. He is not brave enough to look back at Bel and much less Oly who bravely wanted to walk and just hold on to her mother’s and Sharena’s hands.

Once in the graveyard they went to put his father to rest. He performed the traditional ceremony but bypassed some of the things he could. His father was buried in the newest mausoleum in the cemetery farthest from the center. They then passed to bury his cousin empty coffin in a separate place. It felt to him like it was a dishonor to have them buried together. He knew he was not there but inside the coffin rested one of his favorite books, training swords and other personal belongings. Gustav had ordered to have King Lif’s own mausoleum opened to have his memory rest there.

That had been a surprise on Adrien and he knew that was not only an honor but also a defiance on Gustav’s part. With this , his first act as King he was defying tradition and destiny.

Adrien looked down at the now prince Alfonse. The child looked on at the mausoleum with awe and respect, but he saw in his eyes a sadness and loneliness he remember seeing before, not only on the mirror but on his own son Alfonse when his wife had passed away. A loneliness and sadness only Bel and Oly had dissipated.

When the coffin was laid on one of the carved niches inside the tomb Adrien, Bel and Oly were to enter the tomb and leave the flowers over the coffin, but Oly had taken hold of Alfonse and he had to enter with them and Sharena had followed too.

Adrien noticed then Oly left her bouquet, but kept a flower with her and so did Bel who was even reluctant to leave the flowers there. At the end two officers were suppose to come inside and fold the flags. The officers made way and Gustav and Henriette came inside instead in what was the outmost show of respect. Together they folded the first flag and handed it to Adrien and then the second one and handed it to Bel. Bel looked down to the royal crest on her white, royal blue and gold expanse. This flag was only given to other members of royalty and Bel was sure it would go to Adrien. She thought it meant she was now the Viscountess and left it at that.

They filed out of the tomb reluctantly. Bel with the flag hugged to her heart and holding Oly with the other. She looked back to see Gustav standing by the coffin. He looked so sad.

After the funeral Bel took Oly to the garden and stood by the ancient tree trunk. Alfonse had followed with Sharena in tow and they stood by their side as mother and child left the flowers by the tree trunk. Bel had told him this had been the place where his cousin had fallen. As he watched both his cousin and Oly, Alfonse came to the realization. The dreams had started by this tree… and now he understood the connection.

AN: By this point you probably realized this is a self ship in a way, so the memories from Bel's life are actually my own along with the feelings and personality. My precious Oly is my best friend whom has adopted me as mother since I am a mother hen friend to her. XD

#feh #feh alfonse #feh lif #feh alfonse x summoner #feh lif x summoner #feh alfonse x oc #feh lif x oc #self ship #lif #alfonse #fe alfonse #fe lif

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iamdarkness · 4 months ago

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Iris

Iris Chapter 7

Summoned

Summary:Emma is the new Summoner and Alfonse is having mixed feelings about it as he expected his cousin to be summoned. He battles with his feelings and the weight put on him by the Order while trying his best to be nice to the Summoner but not get attached at the same time.

-…My name is Emma.- Alfonse looked on as the girl lowered the white and gold hood of the embroidered Summoner’s coat with those dark delicate fingers, to reveal a sweet looking smile on a full lipped mouth. The expressive and intelligent dark brown eyes looked at him full of wonder. Alfonse felt something in the pit of his stomach and his eyes widen a little while his heart sped up in his chest. She felt so familiar to him. It was almost like he knew her. Then after a split second he figured she reminded him of cousin Bel and Oly and cold sadness gripped at his heart. He felt the desire to leave. Leave this girl who evoked such painful memories. He inadvertently gave a step back to distance himself from her.

-It is an honor to finally meet you Kiran…I mean… Emma.- Said Alfonse who had been planing to call their Summoner by the title and distance himself from more familiarities. Strangely he had suddenly felt embarrassed by his actions and corrected himself.

-Kiran?

-It is a title given to the Summoner. It means dark haired in one of the ancient tongues and Light in another. - Alfonse said blushing. 1)

- Hmp . Well she does have her own name. If I were to use a title I would use Summoner, but I find her name better. I like the sound of it.- Says Prince Takumi placing a protective hand over the Summoner’s shoulder. Alfonse felt his brow furrow at the sight. He felt an urge to reach out and take that hand off of his summoner’s shoulder.

==My Summoner?== He suddenly thought and he mentally berated himself over that sudden stray though.

-Yes you are right. I apologize Summoner Emma.

- No worries. You two can call me whatever you like. You can even call me Emmy if you want. We are going to be good friends after all.- Emma said said and prince Takumi smiled down at her and nodded. Alfonse did not like the feeling creeping up his chest. In consequence his nod looked hesitant and wooden.

Emma ended up summoning another four heroes. Among them was Chrom prince of Ylisse, his ancestor Prince Marth of Altea who had taken a liking to the Emma right away as if they had been long lost friends (which greatly annoyed Prince Takumi and secretly Alfonse as well), Male Robin and to Takumi’s chagrin, Queen Camilla of Nohr.

-Oh! Prince Takumi! It is such a pleasure knowing I will not be alone in this new world!- Takumi shank back a little, shock and anger visible in his eyes and watched intently the hand extended towards him. The two men did not seemed to notice her reaction, as minute and quick as it was but Oly did. There was suddenly a look of sadness and some other deep emotion on the lady’s face and her visible eye watered but a little. Takumi took her hand but his gesture seemed stiff and awkward.

- Since we will have to be allies in this world…

-Ah! I see. You do seem a little younger than my Takumi… I mean the…Prince Takumi of my world.- The lady said eyeing the shorter prince. Emma knew by her tone and remark that the Lady was hiding something and by looking at Prince Alfonse she knew he had noticed this as well.

-I am not so young.- Said the prince of Hoshido almost in reproach then added with a suspicious stare.- You are a Queen. Does it mean you won the war?

-Oh no Darling. No one really wins in a war. It only brings pain to all. - She says sadly. Takumi was taken aback by her answer. This woman seems different than the one he has fought against.- We both lost much, but there is finally peace.

-I…see…-Takumi said and there was a hint of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes and voice.

-Well we better get going to the castle before we get caught in another skirmish.- Says Commander Anna and gives the order to leave.

They get ready to leave and this is when Alfonse notices something. Lady Camilla’s mount had been summoned along with her, the other heroes were being given horses that the Commander had brought along. Except the Summoner was not getting on any of them. She stood back as the commander explained to her how to mount the horse Anna had select for her. Alfonse knew right away the horse would drop her and bolt right away if there was another attack on the way. The Summoner looked nervously at the animal and the animal seemed to be picking the energy up and in turn started to be nervous as well. He groaned internally but at the same time there was this thing in the pit of his stomach as the thought of offering for her to ride on his horse intruded.

-Do you not know how to ride Summoner? - Asked Prince Marth already on his horse.- I confess I am not the best of riders, but if you are unused to riding I propose you ride on my mount.

-If we are attacked on the way, it is better to have her on a more proficient rider’s mount darling. Let the Prince take her.- Lady Camilla says sweetly to Marth motioning to Alfonse. Marth agrees. She then turns to Alfonse and smiles at him knowingly.- I would offer a ride but I doubt it would feel good on someone who is not used to even ride a horse. Better get used to horses first darling. . Alfonse is speechless for a second and nods to Emma. She follows him to where his horse is and stands ready to be helped up. Alfonse is awkwardly making time because he is debating with himself how to sit on the horse with the Summoner. He of course has had to ride with other people before but riding together with Sharena is not the same as this. Sharena is his sister and she knows how to ride as well and he is not worried about her but here he has a dilemma. Does he let her hold his waist or does he hold hers? He blushes as he weights his options and decides it is better if she rides behind him. It feels unproper to him to hold her that intimately and wonders since when has he started to see riding together as something “ intimate”.

==Now how do I…==

-(sighs) Here…Get on the horse and I will help her up behind you.- Says Takumi in an annoyed tone. He wanted the Summoner to ride with him of course. Alfonse does as told and holds his hand out for Emma to hold.

The ride home was not as quiet as Alfonse would have wanted. Emma would ask him questions about this world, some of which he did not know how to answer and sometimes she would make comments in that tongue he had heard earlier. He was trying to distract himself form the arms tightly holding him from behind and the heat that seeped through his mail and tunic from the body hugging his back. He was not used to touch this intimate from anyone other than Sharena. Not since Oly and his cousins, but he felt rude squirming on the seat and if he could be honest with himself, part of the discomfort came from how nice it felt.

-.. So I wanted to thank you. You came right on time and saved me! And the way you fought them off! It was beautiful! I had never seen someone use a sword like that! Movies would never make it justice!

- I…Thank you. It was an honor. -If he remembers correctly movies where like plays but on moving pictures.

-Do you have movies and shows in Askr? Operas? Plays? Ballet?

-We have plays and concerts. Dances like ballet but not entirely so. Movies and shows and …TV…we do not have. Or phones.

-No wonder my phone is not working! Wait how do you know about those if you don’t have them?

-I… My cousin was from the world of Steel.

-Yay ! I will not feel alone then…wait…”Was”?

-...We are almost at the castle.- Announced Alfonse avoiding the question. Emma could see his face turn stern so she did not push the issue.

In the castle Sharena was waiting for them to arrive. She looked worried but exited. Alfonse could tell by how she was standing and the little bounce of her right leg. As soon as Alfonse dismounted and helped Emma down Sharena came to talk to them both.

-Brother. Who is this?- Sharena said with excitement, but as soon as Emma came down and turned to face her Sharena made a face akin to pain and gave a step back. It was only for a second and Emma who was preoccupied by her oversized coat that had gotten caught on the horse saddle strap did not noticed.

Robin noticed though. Robin wasn’t great at wanting to read people. He minded his own business unless it was something to be considered for his strategies, but his analytical mind was taking in every detail of their interaction. This observation came out of curiosity. He wanted to understand their character and personality so as to get used to working with the prince and summoner as soon as possible. He had noticed the way Alfonse had acted towards Emma from the start and although he had assumed Alfonse to be obviously nervous about meeting a person he had thought of as “Legendary Hero”. He came to the conclusion that there was something else in the Prince’s past that made this meeting difficult for him. His theory had been proved by the princess who was now being introduced to their Summoner. There was a second where her face betrayed surprise and something akin to recognition. He wondered if it had something to do with the comment he had heard while on the way back about his cousin being form the same world.

-This is our new Summoner Emma. Summoner Emma this is my dear sister Sharena.- Sharena took Emma’s hand in hers at the same time as she gave her brother a questioning look. Prince Alfonse saw it and turned away . Sharena then smiled broadly as well. Robin was intrigued.

After introducing the new heroes, Commander Anna and the royal siblings took all of them to the dinning room and instructed the siblings to give their guests a tour of the castle and lead them all to their respective chambers.

Sharena was very happy to make new friends but even as distracted by her excitement as she was; she could tell Alfonse was uncomfortable. She knew her brother was not much for making friends and she also knew he had changed after Zacharias’s disappearance but he looked ready to leave. He hastened the interactions and stayed furthest away from the Summoner as he could. What was worst she noticed Hero Robin knew something was wrong because he would not take his eyes off of Alfonse.

Finally Sharena put the prince out of his misery. She told him she would take care of the rest and he excuse himself.

Back in his room he took his time methodically cleaning himself. He did not want to think because every time he did he remember the pain of the loss. All of if. Fighting his father to be in the Order had let him know he still felt the loss of his parent’s attention and he probably never would. Now with the new arrival the pain of losing his family and best friend was more palpable. Why did this girl had to look so much like his Oly? The sweet girl that used to bring them so much happiness when they had been so alone? Like his cousin who had been a second mother to him and Sharena?

He opened the ornate mahogany dresser across his bed and from the bottom he took a parcel. He untied the rope around the paper covering and caressed first the soft fabric and then the metal of the sword. The same sword he had promised his cousin he would care for while she went to look for Oly. He always wondered what would have happened if Bel had left little Adrian with them. He was sure his father would not have let them raise the boy along Grand Uncle Andreas but it was still a nice thought. He sighted and tied up the sword again and put it back in the drawer.

[line break]

Alfonse was steaming. He had jus gotten the order to change his rooms without his consent. He knew there would be times where he had to follow orders he would not agree with as part of the Order, but he never thought this would impact his personal life. Commander Anna had given the Summoner the biggest rooms ( as expected), with a parlour adjacent to it because of course she needed the space for a personal office. That room used to be his parent’s rooms. That was not the problem here, even if the same rooms gave him a sort of bad feeling. Something in the back of his mind that made the place feel not only depressive but also uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the memory of sleeping together with Oly and cousin Bel, but he thought that would make him nostalgic not weary or uncomfortable. The real problem was that said room was connected to the one he was to change into ( his father’s). He would be in charge of the Summoner’s safety. Anna had said that he as of now was the only one she trusted with the job. The problem was he was not even asked about it. He knew it was an order he had to follow but if he had been asked Sharena would have been a better choice in his opinion. She was a girl, just like the Summoner.

Alfonse of course understood Anna’s position. Of course he did. Anna needed Sharena by her side more often than him when it came to night watches and rounds. He knew he was a difficult person to befriend and work with. Anna, he knew, did not feel as relaxed around him as she did Sharena. He also understood her reasoning when it came to the heroes. They were barely getting acquainted with the first group of heroes summoned, and as much heroes as they were Anna wanted to play it safe. In her words ‘ We never know Alfonse. The stories of the heroes only ever talk about their glories and best moments and always omit their darker side…but don’t ever forget they are human.’ She of course did not mean to stain the heroes’ reputations. She just wanted to be safe.

==’ The chances are low Alfonse, but never cero…’== He smiled at the unbidden memory of cousin Bel’s words and laughter after she had asked him a hypothetical question that he had brushed off as silly and borderline ridiculous. ==’Even if the snail never makes it close to you. You will for ever be weary of snails… wouldn’t you?’ == Came the answer to his rebuttal. Even Zacharias was thoughtful and Sharena had of course agreed that she would be afraid of snails for ever. His smile faded. It had been a silly question to amuse them, but it started a mental exercise about fear and later about depression he had never expected.

==’Fear can be useful. It can save your life in a difficult situation. But when it comes to silly rumors and uncertainty, it can rob you of your peace of mind once you let it grip your soul. Sadness is even worse.’==

Alfonse sighed and sat down on his bed. He tried blocking the memories. He watched as the servants helped him gather the last of his possessions. Which consisted of mostly books , clothes and armor. He had traveled light when he came to join the Order. He took the parcel with his cousin’s sword and placed it inside a wooden case. He looked at his cousin’s favorite book. Cousin Bel had given it to him to guard until they found Oly and Adrien was old enough to understand it. He put it inside his travel bag and left.

==’Loneliness can rob you of your sanity…’==

Alfonse tried ignoring Zacharias’s words as he closed the door behind him.

[line break]

-Where is the Summoner? She should be in her room by now.- Asked Alfonse that same night to one of the servants. He had come into the parlour to get a cup of tea and had found the tea cold and the Summoner’s room empty. It was almost midnight and she had no watch duty that he knew of. Worried he called the servant.

-I do not know your Highness. Last I saw her she said she was going to the library and has not come back. She said she was not going to be long.- The servant said a little nervous.- That was after dinner.

- I see. - Alfonse said with knitted brows.- Check with the other servants in case they have seen her. I will go to the library.- He said and went out to look for Emma.

He walked to the library. The corridors were mostly empty and no one he encountered had seen Emma. By the time he entered the library he was a little panicked and ready to give the order to search the grounds for her or for intruders. He asked the librarian in turn and he told Alfonse the Summoner had not been in the library that night.

Alfonse ran out the door and informed a guard to go search the grounds for the Summoner and to wake Commander Anna. He flew to the servant’s quarters to see if they had found something and on the way back to entrance where he was to meet the Commander he heard a sound. It was coming from the window to the Northern garden. He looked out and saw something on the ground. He jumped out the window and ran towards the white piece of cloth shinning with the torchlights of the garden.

It was Emma. She had fallen on the cobbled path towards the entrance. There was already the feel of the last Early Spring snow on her coat. It was falling faster now. She moaned from pain and he helped her get up.

- Watch it right there…It’s slippery…ow…- She says pointing to where she slipped. She was still holding on to Alfonse’s arm. She felt cold. -Oh it’s you…I am so sorry to bother you, your Highness!- She quickly lets go of the arm and looks away. Alfonse felt a pang of guilt and pain at this. He knew he wasn’t the friendliest, but he had never been rude to her. Had he?- I’m sorry…

- Why are you sorry for? Better yet. Why are you here in the cold with only this coat? It is almost midnight, you need to rest. There is much to do tomorrow.- Alfonse said and maybe it was the fact that he felt rejected by her scooting away from him, but his voice sounded cold even to him. Almost scolding. Emma was looking down at her feet. She looked uncomfortable. He sighed and offered his hand for her to hold on to, so she would not slip again. - We have …I was worried. Appologies.- Emma looked up and was he imaging things or were her eyes moist?

-You were worried?

-I just ordered the whole castle to search for you…Oh and woke up the Commander! She will be angry!

-I’m so sorry!

-No! I meant she will be angry at me. Come. We need to get you in a warm place. You look very cold.- He said and lead her to the entrance.- What happened? Why aren’t you resting at this hour?

-I … I got lost trying to find the library.

- You have been lost for three hours? Why did you not ask anyone how to get back?- He asked surprised once inside. He lead her the meeting place.

-I was…ashamed.- She said in a small voice.

- You should not feel that way. It is a big place…even bigger than when I lived here. Everyone gets lost at first. From now on I will take you wherever you need to go. With me along, you won’t get lost. At least until you learn your way around the place.

- I … thank you. You used to live here?

-I…yes. It was our ‘ Summer Palace’. My parents used to come here instead of the beach house. They liked…

-There you are!!!- Came the almost scream of one Commander Anna. Sharena followed.- You two are lucky I was working late with Sharena. What was this about the Summoner being lost? Have you not been watching her Alfonse?- Asked Anna.- She looks cold! She will get sick. I was informed she has been lost since after dinner Alfonse. Have you not been with her?

- I got lost. It was my fault.- Emma says. Alfonse can feel her trembling still.

-No. It was my fault. It took me longer to get my belongings in place. I thought she was in her rooms resting. I should have checked on her sooner.- He says. His voice tight.

-Yes you should have Alfonse. - Anna stops and turns around to face the duo.- It is your responsibility. You have lived here and know the way around. It does not mean everyone else does. And this is exactly why I chose you to be her companion.- Anna says. She does not sound angry to Emma. She sounds more… Disappointed was it? Alfonse looked downcast. She felt sad all of a sudden and protective of him even if he was not friendly towards her, he did not deserve to be scolded for something that she felt was her fault. Also she did not want him to hate her.

- I don’t need a babysitter. - Emma says and lets go of Alfonse. She hears the small gasp he gave.- No offence sir. I am grateful you helped me. I’m just saying it was not your fault. I got lost. It is not a big deal. I just need a map or something. This place is huge and all the corridors look the same.

-The heroes have been getting lost as well.- Says Sharena pensively.

-Well maybe we can paint like a dot a different color or shape and name the halls . You know like : The blue Hall or Lion Hall or something.- Emma says to defuse the situation even further and hoped the Prince would not take offence to them defacing his home even more.

-You know. That is not a bad idea.- Anna though.- I will see if it is withing our budget to do something. If we do pass the idea, you three will be in charge of the painting and naming.

-Sounds fun! We can get the heroes to help and get acquainted better!- Pipes in Sharena excitedly.

-Well it sounds like a good idea.You need to get to know each other better… some more than others.- Anna says eyeing Alfonse.- I decided you will start the day after tomorrow. Alfonse it was your day off but I’m going to need you to stay and help.

-Yes Commander.

-Wait. He is not going to have his day off, because of me?- Emma asked still trembling a little. She sounded indignant. Anna looked at her and then at Alfonse who has awkwardly placed a hand on Emma’s shoulder to appease her.

-Do not worry about me Summoner.

- He can have it when you are finished. Double even.

-Yay! That way we can have the same day off and do something fun the three of us together.- Says Sharena happily. - Also remember you can ask me about whatever you need if Alfonse is not around Summoner!

After this everyone went to bed. Alfonse asked for hot tea and biscuits and sat in the parlour while Emma went to change into her sleeping clothes. She came out of her room with a blanket wrapped around herself and sat on the oposite end of the couch. Her nose and eyes looked red. She took the tea cup offered to her by Alfonse and drank a little. Alfonse watched her closely not even thinking about it. If he was honest with himself, she fascinated him. She closed her eyes , her small mouth forming a little pout and tears run down her cheeks.

- Summoner? Are you not feeling good?

-No.. yes… It’s just. I was thinking of my family.

Alfonse was speechless. How obtuse had he been? Of course she had left family and friends and probably a …

-My mother would have berated me for being too dumb to ask for help but, she would have made me tea just like this…and a blanket…My father would have come home and hugged me…- Alfonse watcher her far away look. She looked like she was about to say more but got lost in the memories.

-You miss them…- Alfonse said more an affirmation for himself than a question. Emma nodded and cried harder.-Of course you do…I… I am sorry. We have taken you from your home and family just to fight a war that does not belong to you. I wish that we could do this by ourselves and spare you the pain, but as it is…

-Oh.. don’t worry about that. I want to stay. I want to help. This place is like a fairy tale land. I want to keep it safe. If I can not do much to change matters in my home. I want to at least help keep this place safe and as beautiful as it is.

- We thank you …I thank you for your sacrifice. I can not presume to understand how you feel. But I hope you find it in your heart to give us all a chance to become…-He started but as much as he had wanted to say the rest. He could not. Emma noticed this and lowered her face to the tea..- My sister. She.. I think she already thinks very highly of you; part of the family even though she has been too busy to interact much with you. I… I appreciate what you are doing for us, and am honored to work with you.

-Thank you. - Emma says in a small voice and smiles at his bashful expression. She can se he is a little uncomfortable, as if he is not used to talk about feelings and such but is still trying hard to express himself. Emma wondered about him. Quite a lot in fact. The urge to please him was strong. To be acknowledge by him, from the moment he saved her life. She wanted to see him smile and perhaps penetrate the barriers she could se him working hard to maintain. Other times she wanted to run from him. She had already had a bad experience with a boy older than herself trying to manipulate her feelings and using her insecurities against her. She did not want to risk another experience like that. The prince was a strange person. He seemed so civil and polite. ..almost friendly. He felt like he wanted to get close and then suddenly he would avoid her for days. The voice in her head told her it was her of course. She was a commoner after all and he a prince. Perhaps this was why he did not liked her, but was as polite as he could because he needed her.

When Commander Anna had told her, she was going to be sharing quarters with him she panicked. She felt already like the start of something she should not be feeling for the boy that did not even want to be near her. She did not want to add fuel to that and much less did she want to burden him with her care. She did not get lost for three hours. She did not want to return to her rooms. She knew that as long as she was near, he would feel obligated by the Order to be her bodyguard or something. And he would do it because it was an order and she did not want that. She went out to think of what to do and to avoid being around him for longer that needed. She was sure he had not liked the idea because when the people had arrived with his belongings he closed the door to his room so hard she heard it in her rest room. She was not prepared to see his face as of yet. So she walked around the grounds until she lost the perception of time. How she missed her mother. She would know what to do. Of course her mother would tell her to ignore him. Concentrate on her work for the order and helping the heroes in any way she could, just like her mother used to tell her to concentrate on school and her art and music. And that was what she will going to do.

Until he had come to her rescue again after she lipped and fell down. She felt so ashamed. He had not disappointed her when he started to berate her for being in the cold for so long and yet when he said he was worried for her and had called a search for her she felt like she was already melting inside. She tried thinking it was because well she was important to the war effort but he seemed so sincere. Now she was even more confused.

- I am sorry the Commander put you in this position.

-It is not a problem. She is right. No one better to be your guide than me or Sharena. I was honestly thinking the task would have fallen to her being a girl like you, but she has been busy as well. Sharena and and the Commander have a better relationship than mine whit hers.

==So it is because I’m a girl? Was he expecting a man then?…Of course he was Emma! What kind of question is that? That coat was huge! I bet they were all disappointed to see you!==

-Oh. I…

- What I mean is that I thought you would be more comfortable with another girl around. It is no bother to me.

-You were expecting a male summoner I suppose.- Emma says suddenly. Alfonse looks at her a little bewildered. He did not expect this. Her voice was firm but it did not sound like she was angry.

-What? No…Why would you say that? The Summoner comes in any gender. We had no idea who would come…- He paused at her look of disbelief.- I expected a woman if I can be honest with you.

-The coat. It was very big.

-I noticed. Anna is…tight with the budget. She opted to make a big coat that would…fit anyone, instead of making several of different sizes. - He pauses. He sounds apologetic and his cheeks are rosy with shame. Oly looks at his sincere eyes and smiles.- I appologice.

-No! You don’t have to..I…I’m sorry for thinking, for assuming…So you expected a female summoner? Why?

Alfonse heard her innocent question and her pretty dark eyes that showed real curiosity. He had thought …nay he had hoped since Commander Anna had suggested to call the Summoner that the one answering the call would be his cousin Bel. She was their real Summoner after all. But he could not tell Emma this. He could not say he knew the secret. At least not yet. As nice as Emma looked to him, she was still a stranger and he could not tell her this secret. It was not just his secret after all.

-Well…The first Summoner who came to Askr to help the first King Lif was female.

[Line break]

Alfonse was in trouble. Big trouble. He knew it. Sitting here in Commander Anna’s office and looking across the desk full of scrolls and books. He also knew the question was coming and he was not ready to lie about it and much less to say the truth; but knew he could not keep her questioning at bay anymore. Not to her. If it was the Commander he may have stood a chance but there sitting on Commander Anna’s chair was his own sister Sharena.

When the note he had received while he was training alone instead of with Emma and the heroes, had said he was needed in Commander Anna’s office,; he had assumed it was Commander Anna who had asked for his presence but instead he had found Sharena sitting at the desk reading over some paper and placing them in different piles. She was organizing Anna’s papers. Her comment after she asked him to sit had been for the need of someone to do this kind of office job more efficiently than her. As soon as he asked why he was asked to be here, Sharena had turned to him very seriously ( as serious an expression as she could muster ) and the conversation started to turn towards their Summoner and his interaction and attitude towards her.

-It’s like you don’t like her and I do not understand why. She is kind and smart and intuitive and a fast learner and she has great taste even in art! What more could you want brother?- Sharena asked and now her usual demeanor showed. She sounded disappointed in him. But how could he explain what he himself could not understand?

Of course he had noticed all of those attributes in Emma. And he hated her for it. He hated her and himself for feeling what he felt. Well probably not hate, but he sure felt annoyed by it. It annoyed him that he would have to be near her for any reason and he would be prepared to be civil but distant, because he did not want to be rude but he certainly did not want to be close to her, but her ability to tear down all his barriers so easily was so efficient that he felt annoyed by it. It annoyed him that he was not only warming up to her this fast, but that he felt extremely attracted to her. Yes she was kind and smart and pretty and he hated the way she interacted with the heroes, and that he wanted to have the same thing or even a closer relationship, but at the same time he hated that he felt this way. He had made a promise to himself that he was not going to get close to anyone else and here he was feeling this way and toward their usurper Summoner no less.

And yes he hated himself for thinking such a cruel thought towards the one person who was trying so hard to help them, but he could not take the feeling out f his heart that the place belonged to his cousin. He felt like he was betraying her memory and replacing her.

-It is not…I do not dislike her Sharena. I just do not want to be close to her. She will leave as soon as the war ends.

- It is more than that. Alfonse. Brother. I was expecting cousin Bel to come too but..

-How…

-Alfonse. I am not dumb. I do not remember much about the time Embla attacked us years ago, but as soon as I saw the sacred weapon I knew. It made sense that she was from The World of Steel and could use the weapon so she was a Summoner. I also wanted her to come back and at first I felt like liking Emma was s sort of betrayal…but Emma is a great person and does not deserve us feeling this way about her.

-I can’t help it Sharena. Her looks do not help the matter either. She looks so much like… or how I imagine she would look at least.

-I know.- Sharena says and stands beside her brother and hugs him from behind the chair.- we will get through it. You’ll see.

-I hope so.- Was all Alfonse said.

[line break]

Days passed with Alfonse not getting used to Emma’s presence. Every time he saw her he felt something in the pit of his stomach and his heart, however he did not want to appear rude so he asked Commander Anna to send him on the next mission outside the castle. He needed time to analice his feelings, which he did not like doing to begin with and to just relax in a sentimental kind of way. Anna agreed that he needed to get out of the castle more and appointed him to be a guard on the next mission which would take place the next day. He was going to get provisions from the city’s warehouse to the towns nearby . They had had an influx of immigration with the towns near the border being attacked lately.

The next day came and Alfonse readied himself to go. Sharena urged him to get breakfast before going on his way. He was not looking forward to see his summoner in the Great Hall where he was sure she would be having breakfast with the newly summoned heroes. Male and female Corrin , along side Hector, Lin, Princess Lissa from Ylisse, Lord Arvis, Prince Leo of Nohr, Male Chris, General Zelgius and to his annoyance Roy the young Lion.

Do not take it wrong he admired them all but he found annoying that some of the heroes had so easily and readily befriended his summoner while he himself felt so reluctant to be closer to her or more like he felt so… angry was it? That he could not fraternizer as easily…He could not even tell what he felt. He just knew that hearing Emma say ‘ Roy’s our Boy’ when said man was training and the way he looked at her made him lose his mind.

Thinking about it he readied himself for the vision of Emma sitting between Roy and Marth or something to the like; but to his surprise his summoner was not there. Roy sat by Marth and they talked very excitedly while Chris and Takumi listened attentively. Alfonse notices some of the heroes were missing as well. General Zelgius , Robin and Chrom were among them.

- Has our Summoner gone to train the heroes or to summon more? - He asked Sharena but she did not answer him. She kept on eating and urged him to do the same with her fork.

Soon he was leading his horse to the front gate where the party was getting ready to leave city bound then to the towns. Sharena walked by his side silently. He was too preoccupied by his thoughts to really think about her silence. This trip would free him of his feeling for two weeks. He knew he was just avoiding the inevitable. He knew he had to get used to working with her daily and knew that as prince of Askr he himself was responsible for her safety and well being. Not that it was a written law, but him being less than that was irresponsible and rude. He was her host and she not only a honored guest, but a member of his family as Royal Summoner and a great ally. He just needed time to possess the situation. He felt that all of this had been shoved in his face and it felt finally like it was too much for him.

- I did not think you would be coming with us.- The voice got Alfonse out of his musings. It belonged to Robin. He was watching Alfonse with a small smile on his face and his eyes twinkled in the sunlight in different tones of reddish brows. -I’m glad you decided to come after all.

-I asked to be here.- Was all Alfonse could says because now he could hear this voice getting louder. The sweet melodious voice of his summoner. He turns and indeed the summoner is coming closer, talking to General Zelgius . She wears the uniform of the Summoner that has been fitted to her form. The white and golds gives her dark skin a luxurious tone of bronce and rich cinnamon, while they make her hair as dark as midnight and just as shiny as twinkling stars. Alfonse furrowed his brows at the stray though.His insides felt like they were doing somersaults. He looked sideways to where Sharena was standing looking at her feet. She looked guilty.

==She knew. Of course…==

-She has been a little sad you know. She thinks you don’t like her because of her skin color.- Robin went on.- In Ylisse there are …

-What!? Why would I not like her for that reason? My best friends and family …- Alfonse starts. He feels the weight of the feelings coming down on him again and he chokes on the rest of the sentence. He closes his eyes and looks away.

-We lost three dear friends. They had dark skin. It is difficult for us…at least for me it is.- Sharena explains. - Emma resembles one of them quite a lot. She was our third cousin and our playmate in childhood. Her mother was like an older sister to us.

- Was…- Robin starts the realization hits.- Oh! My appologies. Had I known this I would not..

-Time to go ! Oh his Highness is coming too?- Asks Emma and smiles.- The princess as well?

-My brother asked to go,- Sharena answers since Alfonse is still speechless.- but I have to stay to help with the building of the orphanage; so my team will go with you only as far as the city. But you guys have fun!- Said Sharena smiling broadly.

-Yes. Prince Alfonse will be the only one going with you as your bodyguard Summoner Emma. You are in capable hands.-Answers Commander Anna from the back. She was walking alongside one of their officers that will accompany Sharena.

==What? She did this on purpose?==

Alfonse is angry but his face remains stoic. He looks at Anna and sends her a look and his anger flares when she smiles at him.

-It is an honor to be your guard Summoner Emma.- He said willing his face to soften. He knew it was not her fault. Nothing was. His words were true though. It was an honor for him. The irony was that he, as a member or the Order Of Heroes had agreed to be under the command of Commander Anna. He was a mere subordinate. He was a prince yes, and a capable warrior as well, but he knew that the honor of being the Summoner’s guard should befall a better warrior than him. A hero of her choosing. Reluctantly he walks closer to her and she meets him half way.- I will guard you with my life. Until you see fit to replace me with a better warrior of your choosing. - He added. She had to know her rights as the Royal Summoner of course. What better time than right now to let her know. Alfonse knew it was the truth but why did it hurt to even think about that?

Emma walked closer to him with a questioning gaze. The others had turned away to talk about details of the plan and route.

-Better warrior? But you saved my life! I trust you with it…unless you do not want to be my partner of course. I don’t want to make you do things you don’t want to do.- She said giving an involuntary pout that looked so much like …

==Stop!==

- It is not an inconvenience. Like I said it is an honor to me, but you only know a few heroes now and in time you will meet many that are stronger or more skilled than I. As summoner you can choose to have another one and better yet you can choose more than one partner even. The relationship is beneficial for both parties as well.

-That is fascinating can you explain this to me while we are in leisure time?

- Of course.- Answered Alfonse and they both went to their respective places. Emma would be traveling on one of the wagons while he rode his horse. They usually walked to their destination but this was an urgent business as the villages were suffering by lack of provisions, so they would go as fast as the wagons could.

On the way to the city, as guard to the Summoner, Alfonse choose to stay by the wagon where Emma was sitting. She was talking to Robin who decided to stay with her to talk about strategies of war, but Alfonse could hear them laughing at the stories shared of their worlds. Sharena had stayed behind, sensing her brother’s mood, she decided to keep her distance. He was seldom cross at her, always the patient older brother, but he was human and she would sometimes annoy him. She knew he needed space and a friend to talk to and after Zacharias, it was even worse to approach his hardened exterior. Commander Anna was a good friend but even she was not as close to him as she was with Sharena. She felt bad to see him suffer. He did not outwardly show, it but she knew him well enough to know all of this was him trying hard to shield himself from pain.

-I am sorry brother. It is for your own good.- Sharena said softly when she rode to catch up to him. Alfonse looked sideways at her still annoyed but seeing the moist in her green eyes he sighted. He could never stay angry with her. She was the only one he had after all and he loved her most than anyone else.

-I know. I will try my best Sharena. But remember as well that she is not from this world and she will leave as soon as the war is over. We should not build deep connections with her.

-Who knows when that will be brother. Besides. If we offer her something better than she has waiting for her, she may stay. And it would work better for Askr too.

-What could we give her that she does not already have there?

-Well we have to befriend her to know. Right?- Sharena says smiling. Alfonse looks pensive and by that expression she knows she has won. He is already thinking of ways to do it. It may start as a mental exercise but she knows where this will lead him. She was praying for this to end well. He needed this. Her brother may be physically stronger than her, but if he got hurt again it would be entirely her fault.

[line break]

Sharena embraced Alfonse before leaving for the site the Orphanage was being constructed. Well it was actually being modified from an existing villa. Alfonse had not wanted to come himself because the house in question was donated by great uncle Andreas and had been his cousin’s own home where Oly had been born. The solitary man had constructed a fortified Villa on the lands close to the castle of the Order of Heroes and this was where he stayed when he came to the city. His late son’s home had too many painful memories but he had not wanted to let it fall into disrepair and decided now that war was upon the land, to convert it into an Orphanage. It was big enough to house dozens of children and staff but he had sent people to enhance it to house much more kids and stores from his own pockets . The man asked only one thing in return. That someone of the order oversee the construction since he did not wished to return to the place. Sharena had volunteered before Anna had appointed Alfonse to do the job.

Now on their way to their first destination which was a day and a half away, the caravan was on the lookout for danger. They were at war and there was a very high probability of encountering the enemy waiting for them, but that was not the only danger. Alfonse knew the people of Askr were good people but he also knew that there was always people that were more than unsavory. They were thieves and brigands that preyed on the travelers and now on the refugees. Their number had risen with the war and he suspected that the longer this war was prolonged the worse the situation would get. The aid they were carrying was a as much a way to help the people as to deter the formation of more factions of thieves. It was also a very juicy temptation.

Alfonse had agreed to come because he thought that the occasion would serve to take down a couple of those groups of thieves. He wanted to use the trip and the cargo as bait, but now that the Summoner was here with them, the mission had changed in his mind.

The group stopped for the night in part of the road that ran through a thick patch of woodland area. The officer in charge of the mission had chosen a clearing by the road. Emma had heard Robin say he would have liked to make camp somewhere else not so close to the road but with the number of wagons it would be difficult. Emma thought the tree cover could also cover thieves, but said nothing.

It was dark by the time they finally finished making camp and organizing the watch. A stew was made and they took turns to eat and watch. Alfonse sat by Robin on one of the logs along the stones they had carried over to sit around the fires they had lit. Alfonse looked over his shoulder to see Emma talking to a soldier, then turning to get her own share of the herb and coney stew to take a sit. He was raising up to offer her the place but was stopped by Robin who was already standing up and offering her his own.

-No worries, I am going to sit over there by Chrom. I was going to leave him alone with Lissa -He paused. Lissa had put a frog in his pocket that morning. Robin hated frogs.- but I better interfere before she puts something in his food. -He says gesturing to Lissa who is obviously looking suspicious.

Emma sat by Alfonse. She looked nervous but Alfonse was too busy feeling awkward himself to notice. He heard her say something in that language he has been hearing.

- Siblings are the same everywhere.

-You have siblings?- Alfonse asked surprised and berating himself for not asking before.

-I have a brother. Enrique is a couple of years younger than I. he likes playing tricks on me.

- Like Lissa?- Alfonse says a little alarmed. If he was a honest he was very wary of the blond princess and was thankful Sharena was not as playful.

-Oh no! Lissa is a menace to society! Enrique is just playful. He is mostly well behaved. And he is very bright, just like Mom.

-I see. May I ask a question?

- Of course.

- The language you speak. It sounds a lot like the ancient tongue my ancestors used thousands of years ago. What is it called?

-Italian. It is derived from Latin. - Emma pauses looking pensive for a moment then adds.-Do you speak that tongue you talk about?- She asks and Alfonse nods.

- I can translate more proficiently than speak it but yes.

-Can you say something? If it is no problem that is.

Alfonse thinks for a while then starts talking. He has an accent of course but Emma can tell right away he is talking in Latin. She smiles and responds in the same tongue.

-You speak the ancient tongue?- He asks bewildered.

-It is Latin! I was taking a class to learn it. I don’t speak much but since it is close to Italian and Spanish I can learn it faster.

-Spanish? You can speak Spanish too?- Alfonse asks and he looks very exited. Emma nods and smiles. She feels so giddy that he is interested in her.

- I can speak Greek and Italian because my family speak them . Spanish and English are my native tongues.

-What do you mean?

-I’m adopted. - She says watching his reaction. He is a little taken aback and speechless. His mouth is a little agape as well and she was trying hard not to laugh at his expression.- I don’t rem…-Emma started to say but a loud noise made them both turn to their right. Alfonse was already standing and taking his sword out.

In an instant all hell broke loose. Emma did not have time to register what the first noise had been. Alfonse was taking her arm and getting her to stand behind him. She looked around and saw Robin covering Lissa who had fallen down trying to get her staff that she had left by the wagon. Which reminded her that her gun was on the ground by the log she had been sitting on but Alfonse had been backing away from it.

Emma made a run for the gun from under Alfonse’s guard and landed on her belly just in time to get the gun. She aimed from the ground to hit one of the attackers. The light blast hit the man right on the chest. She smiled at her aim and made to get up. Alfonse was by her side taking her by the waist as easily as if she was a rad doll. He was shouting something but Emma was too busy looking at the attackers getting stuff from the wagon. One of the bags was her own traveling bag.

-No! No no no no!!- Now that she was standing she tried to run toward them and shoot at the same time. Alfonse bodily took her by the waist again and put her down right inside what she could see was a ring of people. This made her miss the shot and the thief got away.

-Have you no sense of self preservation? Stay there!

Emma was shocked at Alfonse’s anger and even more frustrated at the fact that she wanted to help hut he kept holding her back. She felt tears falling down her cheeks. They had taken her traveling bag. She kept telling him she wanted to help and that the guy had taken her bag but he was too busy to hear her or was purposely not answering.

The fight went on for a while and at the end some of the thieves had gotten away. Emma was devastated.

-What were you trying to do? They almost killed you and you did not even noticed! You can’t just go around a guard without telling them either! I may have hurt you by mistake! Have you no sense at all Summoner!

-HEY! Don’t talk to her that way!- Lissa told Alfonse and she was about to get closer but Chrom stopped her.

-He is right Lissa. This could have cost her her life.- He said to her sister.

-Perhaps it is necessary that the two of you train together as a team. She has no real sense of battle tactics besides the ones we have been studi…

-HE TOOK MY BAG!!- Emma finally screamed. As tears run down her face.- It has the things I brought from home! I will never find my real parents without it!

She said this and the camp went quiet. Alfonse let go of the breath he had taken. His eyes were huge with shock. He composed himself in an instant, silently he turned around, took a horse and mounted it.

-They went that way.- Chrom said getting a horse of his own even though he detested riding. He had understood right away what the prince was about to do. Lord Arvis followed suit. - I am going with you. Robin! Lisa! Take care of Emma!

Emma saw them leave speechless. The prince had looked mildly annoyed when he was berating her for not being careful but by now she knew he was very angry and controlling himself, but as he went away he felt wrong. There was a cold anger in his posture that sent shivers down her spine. She had looked around but saw the others had failed to noticed. To the others the prince had just looked serious or even determined.

She was afraid and sad. She hoped when he came back nothing bad happened because he would be even more angry for making him go get her stuff and even more when if he finds out it was just a doll.

She felt a gentle hand leading her down to sit on one of the logs by the fire. It was Lissa. She looked up and thank her. Then she looked around and saw Zelgius giving orders to the resto of the men.

- Princess Lissa can you please come and help the wounded please?- Said a Prince Leon coming closer to them .- I can stay with her and guard her.- He added when Lissa looked reluctant to leave.

-Please go Lissa. I… I am fine.-Emma said and got up.- I need to see what I can help with. She stood up and drying her tears started to help pick up the stuff the thieves had dropped and fix the mess they had left behind while the rest of the men dragged the bodies to the side of the camp to inspect. Robin and Zelgius had agreed to wait until Alfonse came back to see what he would want to do. The officer meanwhile was helping them inspect the corpses to see if he would determine where the people belonged to. Emma ended up joining to hear about the different variations in dress and weaponry and how it could help them determine where they had come from. She thought it would be something useful later on. She was already scolding herself for her earlier actions. She thought she had looked like a fool when they expected a leader. ==No wonder the prince was so disappointed with me.==

[Line break]

==You are a fool Alfonse! How could you think she would understand proper battle etiquette if you have never taught her? Of course she has no idea want to do and what not to do during a battle! And whose fault is that!? Yours Alfonse! She almost died because of you! You failed her as a guard! You will be lucky if she ever trust you again! Robin is right! I should have trained with her before taking her on a mission. It is all my fault. And the way I talked to her! In front of the others no less! What kind of a prince am I? My father is right! I am not fit to rule. I have shamed my self. I will be lucky if Commander Anna does not send me away.==

These thought plagued Alfonse’s mind while Emma’s face kept popping up on his mind. The tears falling down her face. The hopelessness he could see in them and the hurt at his words. He tried to clear his mind so he could pay attention to where he was going and the clues the thieves had left to follow their trail but as much as he could he could not concentrate. He limited himself to follow Chrom and their tracker.

The thieves were on foot and soon the group were upon them. Chrom jumped off the horse to intercept but Alfonse lost no time and fell the first thief by trampling him with his horse. Then he got down and finished him with his sword.

-No fire Lord Arvis if you please. We do not want to burn the Summoner’s belongings.- He asked aloud.

-Shame… They dance so prettily among my flames.- The redheaded lord said with a smirk as he took his tome and blasted three individuals with a ball of poisonous green energy.

- Remind me not to anger the man.- Comments Chrom as Alfonse approached him to help with the three men he was fighting.

-I am sure all of us will be able to remember it.- Says one of the soldiers who was helping them.- Except his foes.- he ads watching the Lord fell another thief very close to the three of them. The three remaining thieves tried escaping again but Alfonse and Chrom were able to take them down.

As soon as Alfonse saw the men were all taken care of he started to search for Emma’s belongings. Chrom tried to do the same but was stopped by Lord Arvis.

- My appologies conrad. - Alfonse heard him start while he searches under one of the men. Indeed this one had the traveling bag in his hand and had fallen on top of it. - I fear you may think I put you at risk with one of my attacks. I can assure you I calculate the strength, angle and distance perfectly fine. You were never in any danger.-Alfonse pried the bag from the thief and was searching the inside. He felt something soft to his touch ad he took it out to inspect.

-Oh don’t worry Lord Arvis. I can see you are a very capable and skilled mage.Besides I work beside my sister. I am ready for anything at this point.

-Your Majesty?!- The soldier exclaimed and ran towards Alfonse as the teen let go of the bag he was holding on one hand and sunk to the blood covered ground on his knees.

-Prince Alfonse!? Were you wounded!?- Asked Lord Arvis unable to see any wound on the man. Chrom got on his knees as well to inspect the Prince and notice the look of shock on the teen’s face. Chrom was worried. Alfonse would not answer. He was lost in his own mind watching the green clad elf sewn with care and love. He knew it well. His own cousin had made it with her own hands just as she had done two other plush toys for him and Sharena. The fabric was unique. It was the mix of modal fabric from beech trees and silk from the hardy moths that nested on the same beech trees that grew on the skirts of the Nivel Mountains. The result was a soft and warm yet durable fabric.The anti wear spell still keeping the doll as good as if newly made.

-...Link…- Alfonse says as he takes the doll and hugs it close to his chest as he closes his widened eyes.

[line break]

The ride to camp was quiet and oddly charged with an energy none of them could describe. They all had conflicting emotions about what they have experienced. It had taken a while to get Alfonse to move. After they had heard him say just that one word he seemed to wake up fro his stupor and intermediately took the bag and its contents and told them all he was ready to return. He did not elaborate or say anything else except to thank them for helping him return Emma’s belongings.

If they thought that had been odd on his part the return itself was even worse. As soon as they returned he turned to the small group and asked them to do him a favor and not talk about the situation to anyone. He told them it was a delicate matter and he would explain later. They had all agreed to not say a word mostly because they had no idea what was going on but they all had theories. Especially after they had heard Emma say something about her family. After this Alfonse went to talk to the officer and Zelgius in private. He did not even give Emma her bag right away. Instead he called her to join them. After a moment Chrom saw Zelgius and the officer leave and stand guard outside the tent they were using.

Chrom was worried and he saw quite well that Lord Arvis was as well and he looked even annoyed by the whole ordeal. Robin came and asked what had happened but Chrom who had given his words said he did not know what was going on and it was mostly true.

When Emma entered the tent she was afraid and a little annoyed at Alfonse’s attitude. He had not given her her bag and had just bypassed her to talk to the officers instead of her. She readied herself for whatever he would throw at her. She was sure he would scold her for putting him and his group in peril just to retrieve a doll. Her suspicions came true when as he turned to talk to her and she saw the doll in his hand. She readied her self for the explanation.

- Is your name really Emma?- He asked. His expressionless99 face betrayed nothing but there was something in his eyes she could not name. The question was also not what she expected at all.

-No. My adoptive ,mother gave me that name because it was written on a scarf I was wearing when she found me.-I see.- How did she find you and how old were you?

- I was about five or six years old. She found me in the woods near the school she was attending at the time. She said she heard me crying and…I was near this lady who was too hurt to talk. Mom says they took her to the hospital and never heard about her again. The police told her they believe she kidnapped me. I don’t remember anything before my seventh birthday. I was holding that doll when she found me. I guess one of my parents liked to play videogames of maybe me. I don’t remember.

She saw as Alfonse sink into a chair. He was looking the doll and her confusion grew as he started to caress it tenderly.

- Did she describe the woman to you? How she looked or perhaps what she was wearing?

-She told me she believed she was Amish or something because she was wearing a long dress that looked almost Victorean.It was long and puffy. Light blue in color. The police told her she most likely escaped a cult because we were both showing signs of violence. Mother said her hair was strawberry blond. Why are you asking me all of this?

After a moment he stood up and walked over to her. He gave her the doll and took her hand . He was shaking a little and would not meet her eyes. Then suddenly he sighted shakily and looked her in the eyes.

- Your mother. She liked videogames. She would tell us tales of the games she used to play when she was a child. She sew this doll for you before you were born. Emma was the your grandmother’s name. Your father’s mother. It was Emmaneline but she was called Emma by her closest relatives I was told.

-How… How do you know this?

-The woman they found you with. She saved your life, but she also took you away from your family. From us. I know this because you are part of my family and your real name is Olintzin Stelle 2) Andreas. Your mother thought it was a very serious name so she called you Oly.

-My mother…We are related? You and I?

-She was like a mother or older sister to me. She was from the World of Steel but you…you are Askran. Your Grandfather is the Earl of Nibelheilm My own Great Uncle. Your father’s name was Alfonse he was my mentor and third cousin. Your mother’s name is Bel.

Notes:

A/N: 1)I am taken the meaning of the name Kiran from the Gaelic source because it suits the story line. Although I do like the Sanskrit meaning of Ray of Light better. 2)Olintzin comes from the Nahuatl word Olin that means either movement or fluidity or Earthquake. The ending ‘tzin’ is a honorific that means ‘Our Lady of’. Since Stella means star. The name comes to mean ‘ Our Lady that moves the star’ or ‘ Our Lady that Shakes / Quakes the Star’.

#feh alfonse #feh #fire emblem heroes #fire emblem #lif #alfonse #fe heroes #feh lif #lif x oc #alfonse x oc #kiralfonse #kiralif #feh lif x summoner #feh kiran #feh alfonse x summoner #alfonse fire emblem

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